Author: Devin James

Sen. Osten States Her Case to the New Budget Secretary for Greater State Investment in Avery Point UConn Campus

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Osten States Her Case to the New Budget Secretary for Greater State Investment in Avery Point UConn Campus

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) told Connecticut’s new budget secretary Josh Wojcik today that the lack of state investment in UConn’s Avery Point campus in Groton is unacceptable and that she will introduce legislation this session seeking to build new housing and make other upgrades there.

Sen. Osten’s remarks came during a routine, start-of-session appearance by Office of Policy and Management Secretary Wojcik, who was briefing the Appropriations Committee on Governor Ned Lamont’s proposed budget adjustments for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

Sen. Osten, who is Senate Chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, noted today that while Gov. Lamont has made “significant” new investments in housing at UConn’s Hartford Stamford, and Waterbury campuses, there have been no similar, significant investment in housing the Avery Point Campus.

“Avery Point is experiencing a $13 million deficit year, over year, over year, because we have made a policy decision to not put housing in Avery Point and not put additional majors there,” Sen. Osten said. “It is the one area of the state where we have a large defense industry that will be seeing 7,000 jobs per year growth in the next three years. Not 7,000 jobs over three years, but 7,000 new jobs each year. I find it a little bit distressing that UConn  made a decision in October and didn’t bother to tell state legislators for the region until just last week that they’ve decided that we’re just going to have a $13 million deficit, and you guys can eat it, and don’t worry, we won’t close you down. But I don’t buy it. I think it’s a bunch of crap. And I will not sit silent. I will be putting in a bill to put housing there. Everybody talks about housing, but it’s only convenient to put money into housing in certain areas of the state. That’s not fair. It’s taking away a significant part of higher education in Eastern Connecticut. And I just want to put that on the record.”

On January 29, UConn officials presented the Southeastern Connecticut legislative delegation with their report on the “Strategic Assessment of UConn’s Regional Campuses,” which concluded that declining high school graduation rates in the region, declining enrollment at Avery Point, reduced state budget support for UConn, and a decline in federal research awards means that UConn needs to “adjust our strategies and allocate or limited resources to the highest institutional priorities” and concluded that on-campus housing at Avery Point “is not currently feasible.”

Sen. Osten has been pushing for months for housing parity between UConn’s four satellite campuses, as well as an expansion of majors offered at Avery Point, noting that UConn will not grow enrollment if they cannot offer prospective students a housing and educational experience comparable to those in Hartford, Waterbury, and Stamford.

SENATOR SLAP VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR SLAP VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Derek Slap voted to establish a Federal Cuts Response Fund, continuing an effort started in late 2025 to ensure Connecticut is well-positioned to respond to rapid changes to funding and programs made by the federal government.

Today’s vote carries over $313 million into the new reserve. It follows $186.6 million in investments in December 2025 and January 2026 from a $500 million pool established in November 2025 and makes sure the remaining funds are available to respond to funding cuts from the federal government.

“Connecticut and our residents have been on the receiving end of billions of dollars of federal funding cuts, despite paying the federal government over $3 billion more in taxes than we receive back,” said Sen. Slap. “Today’s vote ensures that we are able to quickly respond to fund critical programs and organizations like Planned Parenthood, mitigate skyrocketing premiums on Access Health CT, and ensure that Connecticut residents know that we will do everything in our power to insulate them from the impacts of this administration’s recklessness.”

Since the start of the second Trump presidency, Connecticut has been among several blue states that have seen billions of dollars in cuts to previously approved funding for programs ranging from education, to healthcare, clean energy, public health, mental health supports and more. Some programs have been reinstated, while others have not, creating chaos and uncertainty for providers and those who use these programs. The Republican Federal Budget passed in July of last year cut funding to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, home heating assistance and more.

The fund has already been used to support investments in response to federal changes and funding cuts including:

  • $115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
  • $24.6 million to support food banks and food pantries’ capacities to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
  • $11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to successfully implement eligibility changes and constituent support
  • $8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
  • $6.88 million to support expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • $4.7 million to increase call volume at 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
  • $4.513 million to replace Community School grants for New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford public schools providing health care and childcare services to children and families
  • $2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
  • $830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

*Source: USAFacts.org

Senator McCrory Issues Statement on DECD Audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association

Posted on by Devin James

Senator McCrory Issues Statement on DECD Audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association

Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, made the following statement Thursday in response to the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Wednesday release of an audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA).

“The Department of Economic and Community Development’s audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association and subsequent reporting by members of the media has raised questions related to state oversight of public funds provided to community nonprofits. Although I engaged in no wrongdoing, I was mentioned in the audit because I was involved in advocating at the Legislature for resources for organizations within my district, including BHСА, and some of the organizations that received funds were criticized in the audit. Having reviewed the audit, I want to share my perspective on some of its findings.

“First, the DECD audit makes clear that stronger oversight is needed to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively. I agree with this goal and will be supportive of reasonable measures to achieve it.

“At the same time, I also feel strongly that we need to recognize that nonprofit organizations are essential partners in our communities, delivering youth programs, job training, housing assistance, and other critical services that families in my district and across Connecticut rely on every day.

“Therefore, while Connecticut should seek to strengthen oversight for public funds, it must do so carefully and fairly, without creating unnecessary red tape that blocks resources from reaching residents that need them the most.”

SEN. WINFIELD TO SEEK LEGISLATION TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE IN BAD COP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER HIRINGS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. WINFIELD TO SEEK LEGISLATION TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE IN BAD COP SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER HIRINGS

HARTFORD – Prompted by a Hearst Connecticut news investigation which found that at least 10 school systems in Connecticut are employing school resource officers who are disgraced former police officers, state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), who is Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee, said
today he will seek to raise a bill this session to close that loophole.

The news story can be found here: CT schools hired ex-officers with track records of misconduct

“This is a major issue. You can’t use a loophole to put dangerous people in front of our kids,” Sen. Winfield said. “This is something we should take seriously, and I will be looking to close this ‘loophole,’ although I actually believe that if you read the state statutes together about police accountability and hiring school resource officers, it’s pretty clear that you can’t do both. So we need to clarify that. I don’t see us waiting. Most people don’t want these individuals around our kids.”

The Hearst investigation found instances where a former Wolcott police officer who used a racial slur and put a 15-year-old girl in a headlock was hired as a school resource officer, as was a former Bridgeport police officer who failed to report a high-speed chase that left two people dead, and two former Connecticut State Troopers who created hundreds of falsified traffic tickets.

In Connecticut, school resource officers – also known by the acronym SROs – are sworn police officers who typically perform a number of community policing roles to make schools safer for students and staff, including acting as a community liaison, mentor, role model, law enforcement officer, developing school policies that concern criminal activity and school safety, and teaching classes about substance abuse awareness, gang resistance, and crime prevention. A 2022 survey of 87 school districts in Connecticut found that 68% of them employ SROs.

Connecticut law states that school boards may only enter into an agreement to hire a retired police officer to provide security in public schools if that officer “retired or separated in good standing from such department” or from the State Police.

In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, Connecticut Democrats passed the Police Accountability law, which among other sections allows the state Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to revoke an officer’s certification for conduct undermining public confidence in law enforcement, including discriminatory conduct, falsifying reports, and racial profiling. Prior to that 2020 law, police officers were only fired for felony convictions or making false statements to superiors.

From 1988 to 2021 – a third of a century – 79 police officers in Connecticut were decertified, nearly all for felony convictions. But from November 2021 to April 2025 – over just 41 months – 32 police officers in Connecticut have been decertified, nearly all for “misconduct” or “untruthfulness.”

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Nearly $500k for Rocky Hill Batting Cages

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Nearly $500k for Rocky Hill Batting Cages

ROCKY HILL – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser celebrated approval of $495,000 by the State Bond Commission for the construction of an indoor batting cage facility at Elm Ridge Park in Rocky Hill.

The funding was approved unanimously on Thursday by the State Bond Commission.

“Rocky Hill Little League is an incredible asset for our community and the construction of these batting cages will really help level up their program,” said Sen. Lesser. “Now our young athletes will be able to work on their skills all year round. I am grateful to the State Bond Commission for approving the funding, and to Mayor Smith for his vision and leadership.”

This funding was previously allocated for an economic development project that has been paused. The State Bond Commission voted to reallocate this funding for the indoor batting cage project.

Sen. Slap Condemns Threat on West Hartford Synagogue

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Condemns Threat on West Hartford Synagogue

Today, State Senator Derek Slap condemned a bomb-threat received by Congregation Beth Israel on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford. Synagogues in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont received a non-specific bomb threat via email. West Hartford Police responded immediately to the threat, and the Congregation has declared there is no substantiated threat at this time.

“This is yet another example of a vile rise in anti-Semitism across the globe as we saw in Australia last week, and right here in our backyard. For this attack to happen at all, let alone during Hanukkah, is extremely disturbing. I stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors and friends, and I hope their celebration remains a reminder of the strength of community, and the triumph of light over darkness. These types of threats are the latest example of why the nonprofit security grant program I created in 2019 is so important and we must continue to invest in it.”

In 2019, Sen. Slap and State Senator Saud Anwar introduced a bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). In the 2025 legislation session, Senators Slap and Anwar secured an additional $10 million for the program, bringing the state investment to $20 million. This program was created amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship in recent years and today, applications continue to flood the program.

CT-NSGP provides reimbursement for nonprofits, including houses of worship, that have undergone security enhancements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act.

To learn more or apply, visit here.

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

Posted on by Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

 

STAMFORD, CT – Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Thursday approval of $2 million in state funding for essential improvements to Stamford’s Hatchfield Park.

The park will receive comprehensive renovations including accessibility upgrades, rehabilitated facilities, improved pathways, and enhanced recreational spaces. The funding supports the city’s broader efforts to revitalize neighborhood parks and expand programming for residents of all ages.

“Hatchfield Park has been the heart of the neighborhood for West Side residents for generations. I remember it being a safe place where children and teenagers gathered for all sorts of activities, but when I visit today I see playground surfaces that have become tripping hazards for our kids, a basketball court where grass pokes through cracked pavement, and paint flaking off rusted equipment,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Our families deserve better and this grant will help transform Hatchfield into a safe, welcoming space with ADA-compliant pathways, a rehabilitated pavilion, and modern amenities that work for everyone. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for the investment in this neighborhood space where our children play and our families gather.”

“As House Chair of the Children’s Committee, I have a responsibility to ensure that our policies and investments support the health, safety, and development of children,” Representative Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “Playgrounds are essential community spaces that promote physical activity, learning, and social connection. Hatchfield Park has served Stamford residents for decades, and this funding will ensure it continues to be a safe and vibrant resource for families on the city’s West Side. I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving these funds to strengthen this important community asset.”

“Our local parks serve a vital purpose for our communities, providing outdoor recreation and fresh air while also bringing people together,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “If the resources they offer fade and degrade, they potentially can fall into disrepair. I’m encouraged these funds will make certain that Hatchfield Park remains a vibrant, well-loved space for Stamford residents to enjoy.”

“Investing in Hatchfield Park means investing in our community,” Representative Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “These comprehensive renovations will ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy this shared public space for years to come.”

“Hatchfield Park has played a significant role in the Stamford community for decades, as a place for the neighborhood for all kinds of activities,” said Representative Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford. “These critical renovations will allow Hatchfield Park to continue to thrive as a place for Stamford residents to build a community and connect with each other.”

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed a variety of state bonding projects that will benefit not only eastern Connecticut, but will benefit towns and young people all across Connecticut. Each project is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission when it meets tomorrow, Thursday, December 18 at 10 a.m. in Hartford.

Senator Osten welcomed $1 million for a state Department of Social Services customer service center to operate as a new opportunity center in Norwich, and $1.37 million for new refrigerant and chilled water piping, updated controls, and roof work the Uncas on Thames Campus at 401 West Thames Street in Norwich.

Sen. Osten also welcomed a $500,000 state grant for Special Olympics Connecticut to use for the construction of a new headquarters in Bristol, and $400,000 for upgrades to a wastewater pump station in Preston on the site of the former Norwich State Hospital. The pump station needs upgrades to prepare for the Mohegan Tribe’s Preston Riverwalk development, which is expected to increase demand on the town-owned sewer pumping station.

Sen. Osten also welcomed $30 million in new,  so-called “DRIP” funds – the state’s District Repair and Improvement Program – that was just created this year to provide funding to assist public schools with the costs of minor capital repairs, improvements and maintenance, and to reduce the need for more costly and extensive renovations in the future.

“This is nearly a billion-dollar bonding agenda, and I want everyone to notice that about half of it is being spent on cities and towns. The state is picking up the tab for projects all across Connecticut that local taxpayers would otherwise be paying higher property taxes for,” Sen. Osten said. “Each of these projects has its own unique and local impact. Norwich is getting better social services delivery. Preston and the region will see economic development due to an updated wastewater pumping station. The Connecticut Special Olympics won’t have to fundraise as long or as hard to build their new headquarters. And schoolchildren all across the state will have safer, more modern schools which their parents don’t have to pay more local property taxes to improve. This state funding is great news, especially in this economy and at this time of year.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”